Category: Nigerian Tribune

AS the battle of wits rages among the Osun State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Union Of Local government Employees (NULGE) over Osun local governments allocations, the leadership of Omoluabi Progressives in the state, on Monday, warned the Federal Government to stop starving duly elected local government executives of their statutory funds.

The group, within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, further described the alleged attitude of the APC-led Federal Government of imposing illegal local government chairmen and diverting council funds as a direct assault on democracy in the state and across Nigeria.

The chairman of the group, Azeez Adesiji, who expressed displeasure over the development at a press conference in Osogbo, called for resistance against what he alleged as the conspiracy of the Federal Government and the APC to divert billions of naira into an illegal account opened in the name of ‘yes or no’ illegal chairmen in the state.

According to him, ‘Instead of upholding the law, the Federal Government has chosen to perpetrate fascism by starving duly elected local government executives of their statutory funds and diverting billions of naira into an illegal account opened in the name of these ‘Yes or No’ illegal chairmen.

‘This is not only unconstitutional but a direct theft of the people’s resources and political brigandage,’ Adesiji said. He described the development as ‘a declaration of war against the Nigerian Constitution and the people of Osun State.

‘The Federal Government is setting a dangerous precedent by disregarding valid court judgments to entrench rejected cronies in power.

‘We condemn in the strongest terms this overbearing conduct of the federal government, which has shown that it will stop at nothing to manipulate institutions, desecrate the courts, and subvert the will of the people.

‘This same pattern of lawlessness is already creeping into Osun politics ahead of the forthcoming elections, and Nigerians must take note of what this portends for 2027.

‘This is a brazen assault on democracy, rule of law, and the sanctity of the constitution by the APC-led administration. Those parading themselves as council chairmen and councillors have no lawful mandates, no constitutional backing, and no electoral legitimacy.

‘APC’s attempt to build legality on the election it conducted based on a technical victory over a pre-election matter, despite a judgment that nullified the election outrightly, is laughable and the height of political rascality,’ he stressed.

‘We warn that funds deposited in the accounts of the disputed council officials must not be touched,’ describing any such withdrawal as criminal. ‘Local government funds must be released to legitimate and constitutional authorities.

‘By any accounting procedure, government allocation cannot be paid directly or indirectly into any government functionary’s account. Doing so would amount to an egregious violation of financial regulations, which the ICPC should address with urgency’.

‘We charge professional bodies and democratic institutions, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and civil society groups, to stand up against the misuse of Osun people’s resources as the APC’s political war chest.

‘We also call on democratic institutions, civil society organisations, labour unions, opposition parties, and the international community to resist the creeping authoritarianism allegedly being imposed through local government structures.

‘The struggle for local government autonomy must not be turned into an APC scheme for political capture and financial looting,’ insisting that those behind the diversion of council funds must be held accountable.’

Omoluabi has no locus to interprete law -APC

But when contacted by the Nigerian Tribune on the allegation, Osun APC accused the Omoluabi group of seeking attention through political propaganda and suggested that the group should preoccupy itself with resolving its internal crisis within the ADC rather than meddling in Osun’s local government affairs.

The party’s spokesperson, Chief Kola Olabisi, in a statement in Osogbo, stated: ‘There couldn’t have been any need for their tirade beyond mere attention-seeking as that is the only way they could be heard.

‘No fabricated or concocted side talks can take the place of the Appeal Court judgment which was not challenged in the Supreme Court.’

He described the Omoluabi Progressives’ criticism as belated and unnecessary, claiming that it is acting behind time.

‘The matter of the delayed federal allocations to the local governments had long been settled by the Court of Appeal judgment of February 10, 2025 and what authority does the Omoluabi Progressives have to interpret court judgments?

‘The Appeal Court judgment expressly reinstated the APC local government chairmen and councillors, making them the constitutionally elected council officers in the face of the law.

‘Who conferred the status of interpreter of the law or court judgment on the busy-body members and leaders of the questionable Omoluabi Progressives?’ Kolawole queried.

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday marked another milestone in its transformation journey with the commissioning of the NAF Headquarters Annex Complex in Gudu, Abuja.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Monday by the Service Spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

According to the statement, the new NAF headquarters annex facility, designed to decongest the overstretched Headquarters in Garki, was described as a bold step towards strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing productivity, and boosting personnel welfare.

Beyond its administrative value, the project also reinforced the NAF’s capacity to project airpower more effectively in defending the nation and protecting the lives of citizens.

Speaking at the event, the Special Guest Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, commended the foresight of the NAF leadership, noting that the project reflected resilience, vision, and commitment to institutional growth.

He observed that since its establishment in 1964, the Air Force had expanded tremendously in scope and responsibility, creating the need for new administrative and operational support structures.

According to him, relocating key branches such as the Air Secretary, Standards and Evaluation, Transformation and Innovation, as well as the 051 Personnel Management Group and an Annex of the Chief of the Air Staff’s Office, would not only ease congestion but also provide a firmer institutional foundation for the future.

While praising the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, for aligning the project with his Command Philosophy of maintaining a highly motivated force through welfare and infrastructural renewal, he declared, ‘This Annex is a reflection of the Air Force’s habit of excellence and foresight’.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff explained that the Gudu Annex was deliberately acquired and remodelled to create a conducive work environment and strengthen coordination.

He emphasised that the project underscored the Service’s commitment to excellence and welfare, noting that motivation thrives where efficiency and infrastructure are prioritised.

According to him, ‘the commissioning of the HQ NAF Annex stands as a testament to our dynamism, resilience, and forward-looking posture,’

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, described the commissioning of the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force Annex Complex in Gudu as more than the unveiling of a new structure.

He noted that the event represents a defining milestone in the continuous transformation and dynamic growth of the Nigerian Air Force.

Several dignitaries attended the occasion, including the Acting Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Augustine Akobundu; the Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force, Honourable Kabiru Al-Hassan Rurum; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Service Chiefs and other senior officers.

AS the battle of wits rages among the Osun State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Union Of Local government Employees (NULGE) over Osun local governments allocations, the leadership of Omoluabi Progressives in the state, on Monday, warned the Federal Government to stop starving duly elected local government executives of their statutory funds.

The group, within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, further described the alleged attitude of the APC-led Federal Government of imposing illegal local government chairmen and diverting council funds as a direct assault on democracy in the state and across Nigeria.

The chairman of the group, Azeez Adesiji, who expressed displeasure over the development at a press conference in Osogbo, called for resistance against what he alleged as the conspiracy of the Federal Government and the APC to divert billions of naira into an illegal account opened in the name of ‘yes or no’ illegal chairmen in the state.

According to him, ‘Instead of upholding the law, the Federal Government has chosen to perpetrate fascism by starving duly elected local government executives of their statutory funds and diverting billions of naira into an illegal account opened in the name of these ‘Yes or No’ illegal chairmen.

‘This is not only unconstitutional but a direct theft of the people’s resources and political brigandage,’ Adesiji said. He described the development as ‘a declaration of war against the Nigerian Constitution and the people of Osun State.

‘The Federal Government is setting a dangerous precedent by disregarding valid court judgments to entrench rejected cronies in power.

‘We condemn in the strongest terms this overbearing conduct of the federal government, which has shown that it will stop at nothing to manipulate institutions, desecrate the courts, and subvert the will of the people.

‘This same pattern of lawlessness is already creeping into Osun politics ahead of the forthcoming elections, and Nigerians must take note of what this portends for 2027.

‘This is a brazen assault on democracy, rule of law, and the sanctity of the constitution by the APC-led administration. Those parading themselves as council chairmen and councillors have no lawful mandates, no constitutional backing, and no electoral legitimacy.

‘APC’s attempt to build legality on the election it conducted based on a technical victory over a pre-election matter, despite a judgment that nullified the election outrightly, is laughable and the height of political rascality,’ he stressed.

‘We warn that funds deposited in the accounts of the disputed council officials must not be touched,’ describing any such withdrawal as criminal. ‘Local government funds must be released to legitimate and constitutional authorities.

‘By any accounting procedure, government allocation cannot be paid directly or indirectly into any government functionary’s account. Doing so would amount to an egregious violation of financial regulations, which the ICPC should address with urgency’.

‘We charge professional bodies and democratic institutions, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and civil society groups, to stand up against the misuse of Osun people’s resources as the APC’s political war chest.

‘We also call on democratic institutions, civil society organisations, labour unions, opposition parties, and the international community to resist the creeping authoritarianism allegedly being imposed through local government structures.

‘The struggle for local government autonomy must not be turned into an APC scheme for political capture and financial looting,’ insisting that those behind the diversion of council funds must be held accountable.’

Omoluabi has no locus to interprete law -APC

But when contacted by the Nigerian Tribune on the allegation, Osun APC accused the Omoluabi group of seeking attention through political propaganda and suggested that the group should preoccupy itself with resolving its internal crisis within the ADC rather than meddling in Osun’s local government affairs.

The party’s spokesperson, Chief Kola Olabisi, in a statement in Osogbo, stated: ‘There couldn’t have been any need for their tirade beyond mere attention-seeking as that is the only way they could be heard.

‘No fabricated or concocted side talks can take the place of the Appeal Court judgment which was not challenged in the Supreme Court.’

He described the Omoluabi Progressives’ criticism as belated and unnecessary, claiming that it is acting behind time.

‘The matter of the delayed federal allocations to the local governments had long been settled by the Court of Appeal judgment of February 10, 2025 and what authority does the Omoluabi Progressives have to interpret court judgments?

‘The Appeal Court judgment expressly reinstated the APC local government chairmen and councillors, making them the constitutionally elected council officers in the face of the law.

‘Who conferred the status of interpreter of the law or court judgment on the busy-body members and leaders of the questionable Omoluabi Progressives?’ Kolawole queried.

The National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), in collaboration with CGIAR Genebank Accelerator, national and international partners, last week converged on Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for a two-day capacity building workshop on strengthening the capacity of national institutions for Implementing and Use of the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-Sharing of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).

The workshop, held at the conference hall of NACGRAB, featured virtual and physical participants from NACGRAB, Alliance Bioversity-CIAT (International Centre for Tropical Agriculture), International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Universities, Research Institutes such as the National Horticultural Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IARandT), Ibadan, policymakers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other relevant stakeholders.

At the end of series of deliberations and elaborate discussions, participants came up with ways to fast-track approval and implementation of the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-Sharing in Nigeria.

They listed expansion of awareness to include Universities and other tertiary institutions, NAERLs for extension services and other agricultural-related agencies. Publicise NACGRAB’s gene bank activities through social media platforms. They, however, posited that caution should be taken regarding information sent out to avoid misinterpretation of intention.

Through a communique, the meeting recommended awareness creation to the policy makers, research institutions, NGOs, farmers, traditional rulers, and legislators on the importance of MLS should be initiated and strengthened in cases where they are available by NACGRAB.

NACGRAB is encouraged to attend, present and distribute posters on the benefits of MLS at conferences organised by relevant professional organisations. The meeting also tasked NACGRAB to work with the relevant stakeholders to advocate special funding for a targeted Genebank optimisation project from the Federal Government outside the normal budget system.

Participants at the workshop urged development partners to continuously build the capacity of all stakeholders on the MLS of access and benefit sharing and SMTA, while NACGRAB is encouraged to develop a strong national strategy on communication to simplify the advantages of MLS to each target group.

NACGRAB, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, told to initiate the identification of core traits of germplasm of interest by breeders.

Relevant stakeholders were called upon to nominate an institutional liaison officer for proper communication and dissemination of information with the focal point, while also calling on them to put in place adequate and periodic monitoring and evaluation focused on the implementation of MLS.

The meeting concluded by asking that more farmers should be reached through the users’ engagement programmes on MLS.

An agricultural company based Ibadan FarmerGiant, has reaffirmed its commitment to helping Nigerians achieve their dream farms with ease.

The company also called on the government to implement and monitor effective policies for the growth of agriculture in the country.

This was stated by Dr. Paul Oche, Chairman of FarmerGiant, during the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, alongside the unveiling of the company’s new head office and logo at Apata, Ibadan.

‘Primarily, we are farmers. We operate poultry farms, piggery farms, and crop farms. We also manufacture farm equipment such as incubators, hatchers, cassava processors, feed processors, and palm oil processors. In addition, we offer expertise in farm consultancy, planning, surveys, and business plans to further develop Nigeria’s agricultural sector,’ Dr. Oche said.

He added that while the Nigerian government has introduced commendable agricultural policies-such as low-interest loans, tariff-free importation, and a high prohibition list-it remains a challenge that these policies are not being fully implemented, which poses a major constraint to the growth of agriculture in Nigeria.

Highlights of the event included the unveiling of the company’s new logo, the opening of its new office in Apata, Ibadan, and the erection of the largest Nigerian flag in the vicinity. The occasion was graced by staff members, farmers from across the state, and other key stakeholders.

The Federal Government has launched an independent data platform under the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to enhance transparency and accuracy in revenue reporting from the solid minerals sector across the states.

According to the Commission, the initiative aims to eliminate discrepancies in revenue figures submitted by government agencies and mining operators, ensuring that data on mineral production and remittances into the Federation Account are consistent and verifiable.

Speaking at a one-day sensitisation workshop in Abuja on the implementation of the new solid minerals data rendition template, the RMAFC Chairman, Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, represented by Hon. Ibrahim Shettima, the Federal Commissioner representing Niger State, said the platform was developed to close information gaps and strengthen accountability in the sector.

‘It is imperative that the perceived discrepancies in the figures submitted by State Governments and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development as revenue from the solid minerals sector into the Federation Account be addressed through the use of a uniform solid minerals data rendition template,’ Dr Shehu stated.

He explained that the template specifies critical parameters such as the scale of measurement, production location, mining company, and prevailing sale rate per unit, which will ensure consistency and comparability of data submitted by stakeholders.

Dr Shehu noted that the initiative aligns with the Commission’s constitutional mandate under Paragraph 32(a), Part I, Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers RMAFC to monitor accruals to and disbursements from the Federation Account.

‘It is therefore the responsibility of the Commission to identify areas of potential revenue growth, lapses, or discrepancies in remittances from all economic sectors, for the purpose of advising the three tiers of government on ways to enhance their revenues,’ he added.

The new platform is expected to serve as a central, reliable source of verified data on solid minerals production and revenue, improving efficiency in monitoring and ensuring that all due revenues are accurately captured and remitted into the Federation Account.

The Federal Government through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has given the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport approval to begin scheduled/commercial flight operations effective from October 4,2025.

The development follows the expiration of the initial approval for a non-scheduled flight approval for the airport by the NCAA in December 2024 and compliance with regulatory requirements.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Yinka Oyebode in a statement on Tuesday revealed that the NCAA in the letter dated October 3, 2025 addressed to the Governor of the State, Biodun Oyebanji, confirmed the new approval for scheduled flight.

He added that the approval will be for an initial period of six months.

According to the letter with reference number : NCAA/DAAS/TECH//043/Vol. 1/158 and signed by the Director, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr Godwin Balang, the validation inspection was conducted on the airport between June 16th – 19th, 2025.

The letter reads, ‘The outcome revealed that the basic operational requirements for scheduled flight operations to Ado-Ekiti Airport have been significantly complied with and the instrument flight check validation report conducted by NAMA indicates satisfactory compliance with regulatory requirements.

‘In view of the above and in line with the provisions of Nig CARs Part 12 Vol. 1, 2023, I have been directed to convey the Authority’s Interim Operational Permit subject to the limitations of VFR or daylight (sunrise to sunset) operations.

‘Furthermore, Your Excellency is respectfully invited to note that this interim Operational Permit is to enable Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport implement outstanding gaps and commence the certification process which will allow for issuance of Aerodrome Operational Permit with Three years validity in accordance with the Nig.CARS Part 12 Vol.1.’

The governor’s spokesman explained that, ‘ the Ekiti State Government is in the advanced stage of installing the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to position the airport for night and all-weather operations.’

Speaking on the development, Governor Oyebanji said the approval by the NCAA is a major boost for the state’s economic development.

‘ The commencement of commercial operations at the airport would boost agribusiness, tourism development, commercial activities, and medical tourism, which will further position the state as a destination of choice for people looking for where to live, work, invest and relax, ‘ he said.

Oyebanji commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts and policies towards ensuring the socio-economic development across the country, saying his bold reforms are changing the narratives for the country.

On the airport project, Governor Oyebanji lauded his predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi who laid the foundation of the project in 2019.

He also acknowledged the huge contributions of the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) and the members of the airport committee for their efforts.

May Agbamuche-Mbu, a seasoned legal expert with over three decades of experience, has been appointed Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), succeeding Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

Born in Kano and hailing from Delta, Agbamuche brings a wealth of expertise in law, dispute resolution, and public service to Nigeria’s electoral body.

Her appointment marks a significant moment as INEC navigates its next chapter in ensuring free and fair elections.

Here are six key facts about the new Acting Chairman:

1. Birth Details

Born in Kano and hailing from Delta, May Agbamuche’s early exposure to Nigeria’s cultural diversity shaped her commitment to national unity. Her origins reflect a blend of northern and southern influences, informing her public service ethos.

2. Educational Background

Agbamuche earned an LLB from the University of Ife (1984), qualified as a Solicitor in England and Wales, and holds an LLM in Commercial and Corporate Law alongside postgraduate degrees in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law. Her education at St. Louis Secondary School in Kano and advanced studies in London equipped her with a global legal perspective.

2. Career

With over three decades in law, Agbamuche led Norfolk Partners in Lagos, served on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (2010-2011), contributed to the Solid Minerals Sector Roadmap (2016), and has been an INEC National Commissioner since 2017. As THISDAY LAWYER editor, she shaped legal discourse, and now, as Acting Chairman, she leads INEC’s electoral mandate.

3. Achievements

A certified arbitrator and former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria), Agbamuche authored 120 ‘LEGAL EAGLE’ editorials (2014-2016) and influenced policy through key roles in the PPAC and INEC’s Legal Unit. Her dual Nigerian-English legal qualifications and public advocacy have solidified her as a thought leader in governance and law.

5. Marital Life

Agbamuche-Mbu’s marital and family life remains private, with no public details about relationships or children. Her hyphenated surname hints at a marital connection, but her professional achievements dominate her public narrative.

Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, has officially resigned from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet.

This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

According to the statement, Nnaji resigned from his role following allegations against him.

‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him.

‘President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023. He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria.

‘Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents.

‘President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours,’ the statement reads.

Tribune Online gathered that the former minister has been in the news lately for allegedly forging the certificate he submitted to the government upon his appointment in 2023.

However, Nnaji had, through his spokesman, Dr. Robert Ngwu, at a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, denied the allegations, insisting that he bagged a BSc. degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry with second class honours (lower division) in 1985.

The former minister therefore called on the authorities of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to release his academic transcript without further delay and stop playing further politics with the vital document, accusing the university of trying to dent his image by issuing two conflicting reports regarding his certificate.

Oke-ogun Council of Elders (OCE) has expressed the hope that the tenure of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa 1 as Olubadan of Ibadanland will strengthen and enhance the relationship between the foremost Yoruba city and Oke-ogun.

The feeling was contained in a statement congratulating HIM, Oba (Engr.) Ladoja on his ascension of the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadaland.

President of Oke-ogun Elders, Otunba Bamidele Dada, OON, was quoted in the statement by the Council’s spokesperson, Comrade Jare Ajayi, as saying that Oba Ladoja’s enthronement was a product of commitment to service, team-spirit leadership style, perseverance and an exemplary integrity.

The council’s president, Otunba Dada, was a former Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources.

‘Going by the experiences of the former governor, especially since he moved into the public arena as a community leader, activist and politician, he has gone through challenges that were capable of either crushing the chicken-hearted or frustrate him out of the fray. But Oba Ladoja did not give up. Neither did he compromise his integrity even when he had his eyes set on the ultimate posts – first in Oyo State and then in Ibadanland. His calm demeanour, moderation, suavity, knack for navigating complex political and social situations are exemplary’ the statement claimed.

It went further to assert that the coincidence of the Oba’s installation with his 81st birthday and Nigeria’s 65th independence ‘is an indication that he was created for a purpose; service to humanity through leadership positions etc. Incidentally, a look at his trajectory clearly shown that even in his personal and business engagements, he demonstrated these qualities admirably’.

Alluding to the relationship that had existed between Oke-ogun and Ibadanland, the elders recalled that there were eminent leaders who have served Ibadan creditably well whose roots were from Oke-ogun ‘in addition to some other ties that bind us together presently’.

‘In the light of this, we are hopeful that the reign of Oba Ladoja Arusa 1 will not only further smoothen the existing relationship between us, but foster a better consideration of and sensitivity to each other’s interests. This is with a view to ensuring that the two communities deal with each other fairly and justly’.

The Elders congratulated the people of Ibadan and prayed that the enthronement of Oba Ladoja as Olubadan will consolidate the progress Ibadan has made and ensure that it continues to be a pride of the Yorubas.

‘We pray that the image of Ibadan as a place where everyone can thrive will be sustained and enhanced. Congratulations Your Imperial Majesty,’ Dada, OCE president prayed.